When it comes to buying solid wood worktops, the wood you choose will be graded into one of four categories: prime, select, natural or rustic. The category that wood is graded into depends on three things: the number and size of knots, the colour variation present in the wood and the amount of sap it contains. And it’s worth bearing in mind that while you can’t normally see sap; it’s there.
As a general rule of thumb, the more uniform the colour, the smaller the knots and the lower the sap content, the higher the grade of wood and, not surprisingly, in most cases, the higher the price. That said, this grading system doesn’t necessarily mean that high grade wood is better than lower grade wood, which is what often makes this choice confusing. So how do you go about selecting the right grade of wood for your solid wood worktop?
Prime or premium grade solid wood worktops
Prime or premium grade wood is the highest grade of wood that money can buy and is really uniform in colour, has very few, small knots and an insignificant amount of sap. If you choose this grade of wood, your worktop will be highly consistent in both it’s natural state and in its styling. What this means is that this grade of worktop is perfect if you’re looking to create a designer, high-class kitchen look and price isn’t much of an issue to you.
Take this Premium American Black Walnut worktop as an example. The overall look of this worktop once it is installed is stunning. It’s dark and no matter whether you choose to treat it with a gloss finish or a matt, natural looking finish (food friendly finishes of course), the natural appeal of this high-grade wood shines through beautifully. Available in a range of sizes, this worktop option is sure to lift your completely new kitchen or refurbished kitchen to a whole new level.
Select grade solid wood worktops
If however, you find that a prime grade solid wood worktop is outside your budget, then the next feasible option is a select grade wood worktop. A select grade worktop will sport marginally bigger knots, a bit more colour variation and an ever so slightly higher sap level. All of that said, even a select grade solid wood worktop is pretty uniform and smooth on the eye, which means that you can still achieve that high price tag look and leave the extra cash for other things.
As you can see, with this Select Oak Worktop, even though it’s not classed as premium or prime, it’s highly consistent with virtually no knots whatsoever. So, if you’re wanting to create a real statement but don’t want to go for a top of the range product, this option is perfect. What’s more, it comes in a 4m length and is reduced in price right now, so there’s a lot to celebrate here.
Natural grade solid wood worktops
It’s only when you move to natural grade solid wood worktops that you’ll start to see the knots in the wood get noticeably bigger and colour variations becoming more evident. And again, there will be a higher sap level in this grade of wood. However, none of this means that you can’t achieve a great looking end result, particularly in a kitchen where there’s a lot going on.
We have been completely over-run with orders for natural grade solid wood worktops of late, so we don’t have any left in stock right now. That said, we normally hold a good stock, so if this is the solution you’re looking for, do make a point of checking out our website again very, very soon.
Rustic grade solid wood worktops
When you reach rustic grade solid wood worktops you start to see prices that’ll surprise you. However, you can also expect fairly chunky knots, the possibility of significant colour variation and sometimes substantial sap content with this option. All of that said, this doesn’t mean that a rustic grade solid wood worktop can’t look a million dollars with a bit of planning.
If you want a stunning solid wood worktop solution that won’t break the bank, this Rustic Oak Worktop is likely to tick all your boxes. As you can see, the colour variation on the blocks is noticeable, but arguably this adds significantly to the charm of the overall look. If you plan your kitchen well, this style of worktop will set it off to a tee and will last for a very, very long time.
If you’d like help to choose the right grade of solid wood worktop for your kitchen project, why not get in touch? At Wood and Beyond, we have over 10 years of experience in the wood flooring and worktop sector and have some great ideas that we’d be happy to share with you. At the end of the day, our goal is to help you achieve your goals, so what are you waiting for? Take the chance to pick our brains today!
Comparison of Solid Wood Worktop Grades
| Grade | Knot Size and Number | Color Variation | Sap Content | Price | Aesthetic and Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime or Premium | Very few, small knots | Highly uniform | Insignificant | High | Perfect for a high-class, designer kitchen look where budget isn’t a primary concern |
| Select | Marginally bigger knots than prime grade | Slightly more variation than prime grade | Slightly higher than prime grade | Medium to High | Great for achieving a luxurious look at a more budget-friendly cost |
| Natural | Noticeably bigger knots | More evident color variation | Higher than select grade | Medium | Ideal for kitchens with a lot happening where minor color variations and larger knots won’t detract from the overall look |
| Rustic | Fairly chunky knots | Significant color variation | Sometimes substantial | Low to Medium | Works well for those seeking a charming, rustic aesthetic without breaking the bank |
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FAQ
Question: What factors determine the grade of wood for solid wood worktops?
Answer: The grading of wood for solid wood worktops depends on three factors: the number and size of knots, the colour variation present in the wood, and the amount of sap it contains. The more uniform the colour, the smaller the knots, and the lower the sap content, the higher the grade of wood.
Question: How does the grade of wood affect the price of the worktop?
Answer: As a general rule, the higher the grade of wood, the higher the price. This is because higher-grade woods have more uniform colour, fewer and smaller knots, and lower sap content. However, a higher grade does not necessarily mean the wood is better, just that it has these particular characteristics.
Question: What is the prime or premium grade for solid wood worktops?
Answer: Prime or premium grade wood is the highest grade of wood available. It is extremely uniform in colour, has very few small knots, and contains an insignificant amount of sap. This type of wood is ideal for creating a high-class kitchen look and is often chosen when price is not a significant consideration.
Question: What characterizes a rustic grade solid wood worktop?
Answer: Rustic grade solid wood worktops are the most affordable but also exhibit larger knots, significant colour variation, and potentially substantial sap content. Despite these characteristics, a rustic grade solid wood worktop can still provide a stunning aesthetic, particularly in a well-planned kitchen.
Question: How does a natural grade solid wood worktop differ from select grade?
Answer: Natural grade solid wood worktops feature noticeably larger knots and more evident colour variations compared to select grade. Natural grade wood also contains higher sap levels. Despite these characteristics, it can still provide an appealing aesthetic in a busy kitchen setting.